Vanuatu entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
120 days
Max stay
120 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can visit Vanuatu without a visa for up to 120 days. No visa application or fee is needed before travel — just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. This policy is current for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Vanuatu. Vanuatu does not enforce a 6-month validity rule for UK passport holders, but some airlines may still ask for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vanuatu | Immigration officers at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Vanuatu doesn't publish a specific minimum amount, but around 50,000 VUV (about £350) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you will be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry at the border. No exceptions.
No visa, but don't skip the basics
Even though there's no visa application, immigration still expects to see a return ticket and may ask for accommodation details. Have digital copies of both on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Most visitors fly into Port Vila. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a small terminal, so queues can form. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill out beforehand.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is straightforward — declare any restricted items (food, plants, large amounts of cash).
Download Vanuatu Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent)
Apply at Vanuatu embassy or online; requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent)
Allows multiple visits; same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent)
Requires invitation letter from Vanuatu company.
retirement visa
Vanuatu Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay but no work. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Vanuatu Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Vanuatu business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Vanuatu Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Vanuatu employer. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vanuatu
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Vanuatu do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBauerfield International Airport (VLI) · Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON)
Health & vaccines for Vanuatu
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Present but low risk; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea and other infections from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for remote rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Port Vila
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Head Office)
PMB 9011, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries and permits.
Luganville
Vanuatu Immigration Office (Santo Branch)
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for northern islands.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalPort Vila
LanguageBislama, English, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 30 days.
Money
CurrencyVanuatu vatu (VUV)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 118.03 VUV
Time zone
Local timeUTC+11
vs New York+16h
vs Los Angeles+19h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I (Australian/New Zealand plug with two flat pins and an earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 120 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from re-entry.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa for any stopover. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Bauerfield Airport.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. However, immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — having a credit card or some cash (Vanuatu vatu or Australian dollars) is sensible.
No. The 120-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry. But the CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio) plus hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
No. Vanuatu does not require an online arrival declaration. You simply fill out a paper landing card on the plane or at immigration — it's quick and simple.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.